The result sees Toulon move eight points clear of Castres in fourth position on the Top 14 log. Captain Joe van Niekerk and another former Springbok in Bakkies Botha also featured prominently in what was an intensely physical match.

Across the English Channel, Harlequins managed a 9-9 draw against Newcastle thanks to a last-gasp penalty by Nick Evans.

In the Pro 12, Leinster beat Aironi 22-6 to consolidate their position at the top of the log. Glasgow scored a good 26-20 victory against Ospreys, Scarlets thumped Connacht 38-10 and Ulster mauled Edinburgh 38-16. Ruan Pienaar kicked four conversions in the latter match while Stefan Terblanche scored a try.